Electrified bird repellent track

ABSTRACT

An animal deterring device has a carrier with a first conductive trace that is separated from a second conductive trace. The carrier has a bottom with a first glue trough disposed beneath the first conductive trace. The first conductive trace is coupled to the carrier by a first fastener that extends from the first glue trough to the first conductive trace.

This application is a divisional application of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 13/768,295, filed on Feb. 15, 2013, which is a divisionalapplication of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/652,221, filed onOct. 15, 2012, now issued U.S. Pat. No. 8,407,932, which is a divisionalapplication of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/472,773 filed on May16, 2012, now issued U.S. Pat. No. 8,286,385, which is a divisionalapplication of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/224,183 filed on Sep.1, 2011, now issued U.S. Pat. No. 8,196,341, which is a divisionalapplication of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/043,204 filed on Mar.8, 2011, now issued U.S. Pat. No. 8,015,747, which is acontinuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/959,834 filed on Dec. 3, 2010, now issued U.S. Pat. No. 8,020,340,which is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/890,328filed on Sep. 24, 2010, now issued U.S. Pat. No. 7,937,885, which is adivisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/376,270 filed on Mar.14, 2006, now issued U.S. Pat. No. 7,802,396. U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 13/043,204 is also a continuation-in-part application of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 12/689,406 filed on Jan. 19, 2010, now U.S.Pat. No. 8,196,340, which claims priority to U.S. provisional patentapplication No. 61/145,715 filed on Jan. 19, 2009. These and all otherextrinsic materials discussed herein are incorporated by reference intheir entirety. Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporatedreference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that termprovided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies andthe definition of that term in the reference does not apply.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The field of the invention is animal deterrents, and especially as theyrelate to bird deterrents.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There are numerous animal deterring devices known in the art, and manyof those use electric current to deter, and in some case even kill birdsand other relatively small animals. For example, where a relativelylarge structure is to be protected, a blanket can be configured toinclude a plurality of vertically arranged and spaced apart electrodesas described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,925,748. While such devices may protecta relatively large area, numerous disadvantages remain. Among otherthings, pooling of water must be avoided at all times to allow forcontinuous operation. Moreover, as such devices are typically flexible,inadvertent short circuiting may occur by folding or bending a portionof the blanket.

Other known electrified devices include those described in U.S. Pat. No.4,015,176 and EP 1 314 355 in which a string-shaped carrier includesconductive traces embedded or attached to the carrier. Similarly,string-shaped structures may be formed from braided wire that furtherincludes insulator disks as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,031,353. Whilesuch devices are generally simple to manufacture and operate, variousdifficulties remain. Among other problems, such devices often fail tooperate properly when moisture or rain runs along the wire, or wheredroppings are deposited on the wire. Similar disadvantages are observedin devices that have a rail with partially embedded conductive tracesfrom which raised conductive tabs protrude as shown in U.S. Pat. No.6,006,698, or in devices having a rail with two elevated conductivetraces as described in U.S. Pat. App. No. 20050132635. Such devices areparticularly sensitive to puddling or fecal contamination.

In still further known electrified deterring devices, conductive tracesare mounted to an elevated carrier portion that includes spaces to allowfor drainage and flexible installation as shown in U.S. Pat. No.6,283,064 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,928,768. While such devices are often morereliable than known devices when exposed to moisture or droppings, otherdisadvantages arise. For example, due to the raised position of thewires, installation is frequently esthetically less pleasing thanrelatively flat rail-type structures. Moreover, positioning of the wiresis at a fixed distance and in a manner that will allow at least somebirds to perch in a position in which the bird will not receive theelectrical impulse or current.

Therefore, while there are numerous devices and methods for deterringanimals, and especially birds are known in the art, all or almost all ofthem suffer from various disadvantages. Thus, there is still a need fornew configurations and methods for bird deterrents.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to configurations and methods foranimal deterring devices in which at least two electrically conductivetraces are mounted on a carrier and in which the two traces areseparated by an arc suppressor.

In one aspect of the inventive subject matter, an animal deterringdevice comprises a stripe-shaped carrier having a first conductive tracethat is separated from a second conductive trace by an umbrelloid arcsuppressor, wherein the carrier has a cutout that is configured to allowbending of the device and wherein the device has a height to width ratiobetween 1:5 and 1:2. It is generally preferred that the carrier in suchdevices is fabricated from a flexible material, and/or that the carrierhas one or more cutouts that are configured to allow bending of thedevice (e.g., to accommodate horizontal and/or vertical curvature). Asabove, exemplary umbrelloid arc suppressors may have a T-shape, astemmed inverted U-shape, or a stemmed inverted V-shape.

Moreover, it is generally preferred that the arc suppressor iscontinuous along the length of the carrier, and that at least one of thefirst and second conductive traces are continuous along the length ofthe carrier. Where desired, at least part of the carrier and/or at leastpart of the arc suppressor is angled, wherein the angle is selected suchthat when the device is installed on a horizontal surface water runs offthe angled part. Most typically, the first and second conductive tracesare spaced apart at a distance that allows formation of an electriccircuit via a foot of a bird (e.g., adult pigeon or adult seagull).

Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the presentinvention will become more apparent from the following detaileddescription of preferred embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of one exemplary device according to theinventive subject matter.

FIG. 1B is a vertical cross sectional view of the exemplary device ofFIG. 1A.

FIGS. 2A to 2D are exemplary alternative shapes for contemplatedumbrelloid arc suppressors.

FIGS. 3A-3B are perspective and vertical cross-sectional views,respectively, of another embodiment of a bird deterrent device.

FIG. 3C is a perspective view of the bird deterrent device of FIG. 3A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The inventor has discovered that animal deterring devices can bemanufactured in which at least two electrically conductive traces aremounted on a carrier and in which the two traces are separated by an arcsuppressor. Most typically, the arc suppressor in contemplated deviceswill have an umbrelloid shape and/or a configuration effective toincrease creep distance between the first and second conductive tracesby at least 1.5 times.

One exemplary embodiment is depicted in FIG. 1A in which the device 100Ahas a rail shape. Here, carrier 102A is typically manufactured from athermoplastic elastomer or rubber-containing compound to which theconductive traces 120A and 122A are coupled (e.g., glued, stapled, sewn,etc.). The traces 120A and 122A are separated by the arc suppressor 110Athat has an umbrelloid shape (here: T-shape). The traces may be coupledto the carrier on a horizontal or angled (104A) surface as shown in FIG.1A. The carrier may further include one or more cutouts 106A (shown indashed lines), which are most preferably configured such that the devicecan be bent sideways while resting on a horizontal surface withoutwarping of the carrier. It should be noted that the shape of the arcsuppressor will generate a space 112A that is protected from contactwith conductive material falling vertically (and even from falling at anangle of up to 45 degrees, and more) onto the device. Still further, itshould be noted that the shape of the arc suppressor will also providefor a vertical clearance (i.e., empty space between the shortestvertical distance between at least one of the conductive traces and thetop surface of the device or the arc suppressor) that is effective indisrupting a conductive film, flow, and/or layer between the traces.

Typically, the carrier 102B will have a strip or otherwise elongatedconfiguration, and is most preferably relatively flat such that thedevice can be bent, or even provided in a rolled-up configuration. FIG.1B depicts a vertical cross section of the device in which the carrier102B has an angled section 104B and a horizontal section onto which theconductive traces 120B and 122B are mounted. Between the traces is thearc suppressor 110B. It should be recognized that contemplated devicesmay not only have an arc suppressor that separates the first and secondconductive traces, but may also have an (second) arc suppressor thatseparates at least one of the conductive traces from the material uponwhich the device is mounted (e.g., metal roof). With respect to theshape of contemplated second arc suppressors it should be recognizedthat the second suppressor will have a downward facing surface thatforms in combination with another surface an edge or other protrudingshape from which water, condensation, or other liquid will run off. Ametal wire of other deformable material may be included to maintain aparticular shape where the carrier is intentionally deformed.

It should still be especially appreciated that the shape of the arcsuppressor will elongate the creep distance between the conductivetraces at least 1.5 times, thereby preventing all or almost allcircumstances where moisture, dew, or rain may cause short-circuiting.As used herein, the term “creep distance” refers to a distance that ismeasured between two points on a body when following the shortest pathbetween those points along the surface of that body. As also usedherein, the term “umbrelloid shape” refers to any shape of an elementthat is coupled to the device where that element has a downward facingsurface portion when the device is installed on a horizontal surface.Most typically, the downward facing portion is contiguous with an upwardfacing portion, and the element will therefore have a sharp angled orrounded edge from which water or other fluids can drip off. Viewed froma different perspective, elements with umbrelloid shape will generallyhave a downward facing portion and an upward facing portion that areeither substantially parallel (+/−15 degrees), or form an angle between15 and less than 90 degrees. Exemplary umbrelloid shapes are depicted inFIGS. 2A to 2D. Suitable umbrelloid shapes therefore especially includea T-shape, a stemmed inverted U-shape, and a stemmed inverted V-shape.

With respect to the carrier, it is contemplated that the carrier may befabricated from numerous materials, including natural and syntheticmaterials, wood, glass, metals and metal alloys, and all reasonablecombination thereof. However, especially preferred materials includethose that provide sufficient flexibility to the carrier to allow thecarrier to conform to uneven surfaces. Most preferably, the carrier issoft enough to be manually deformed. It is also noted that where thecarrier is especially pliable, a desired form may be retained byinclusion of a more resilient element within or coupled to the carrier.For example, contemplated carriers may include a metal wire or otherdeformable element that assists the carrier to maintain a desiredconfiguration. Furthermore, it is generally preferred that the carriermaterial is non-conductive and that the conductive traces are coupled tothe carrier in a relatively simple manner (e.g., via gluing, sewing,stapling, etc.). However, in alternative aspects, the carrier may alsobe made from, or include a conductive material. In such devices, it isthen contemplated that only one conductive trace may be needed, and thatsuch trace is typically coupled to the carrier via an insulator.

It is still further preferred that the carrier is generally flat (i.e.,has a width and length that is larger than the height) and configured asa stripe or has an otherwise elongated structure, wherein the particularwidth and height are in most circumstances determined by the size ofbird or other animal that is to be deterred. Thus, and most commonly,the carrier will be configured such that entire device has a height towidth ratio between 1:5 and 1:2, and more typically between 1:4 and 1:3.For example, suitable carriers may have a width between 1 cm and 10 cm,more typically between 2 cm and 7 cm, and most typically between 3 cmand 5 cm. The length of such devices is generally determined by thedesired overall length of the device or device segment and may thereforevary between several cm and several meters and even longer. The heightof contemplated devices will generally be between 1 mm and 3 cm, andmore typically between 3 mm and 1 cm. Further contemplated carriers mayinclude one or more cutouts having a size that allows side-to-sideflexing of the carrier. For example, such cutouts may be formed to allowpositioning the carrier in a 90 degree angle with a radius of less than20 cm, more preferably less than 15 cm, and most preferably less than 10cm.

First and second conductive traces are typically spaced apart at adistance that allows formation of an electric circuit when a foot of abird (e.g., an adult pigeon, an adult seagull) rests on the device.Therefore, and depending on the particular bird, suitable distancesbetween first and second traces will be between 5 mm and 2 cm, and moretypically between 7 mm and 1.5 cm. In still further preferred aspects,the first and second conductive traces are parallel to the arcsuppressor, and/or at least one of the first and second conductivetraces are continuous along substantially (+/−5%) the entire length ofthe carrier. Where desirable, at one part of the carrier is angled to adegree such that when the device is installed on a horizontal surfacewater runs off the angled part. Depending on the particularconfiguration, the angled part may include the portion to which thetrace is coupled, and/or a portion between conductive trace and the arcsuppressor or the outer edge of the carrier.

With respect to the arc suppressor, it is generally preferred that thearc suppressor has an umbrelloid shape and is continuous along thelength of the carrier. While there are numerous alternativeconfigurations are contemplated for the arc suppressor, it is generallypreferred that the arc suppressor increases the creep distance at least1.5 times, more typically at least 1.7 times, even more typically atleast 2.0 times, and most typically at least 2.2 time. In especiallypreferred aspects, the arc suppressor has an umbrelloid shape and aheight to width ratio between 1: and 1:1, and more typically between 1:6and 1:1. For example, contemplated arc suppressors generally includestemmed structures in which a first generally vertical element carries ahorizontal or curved element to form a T-shape, a stemmed invertedV-shape, a stemmed inverted U-shape, or an otherwise stemmed structurethat has at least one generally horizontally extending protrusion.Depending on the particular shape, it should be appreciated that avertical gap will be formed between at least part of the arc suppressorand the portion of the carrier to which the traces are coupled, and thatsuch gap will assist in breaking a layer of conductive material thatextends across the device.

Further alternative arc suppressors will resemble in shape insulatorchains as known from high voltage power lines. While not limiting to theinventive subject matter, it is generally preferred that the arcsuppressor is continuous along substantially the entire length (+/−5%)of the carrier. To further facilitate run-off of moisture, condensation,mist, or other fluids, it is generally preferred that at least part ofthe arc suppressor may be angled, wherein the angle is selected suchthat when the device is installed on a horizontal surface water runs offthe angled part. Therefore, particularly preferred devices will have astripe-shaped carrier having a first conductive trace that is separatedfrom a second conductive trace by an umbrelloid arc suppressor, whereinthe device has a height to width ratio between 1:5 and 1:2.

Another embodiment of a bird deterrent device 300 is shown in FIGS.3A-3C, in which the device 300 has an elongated carrier 302, to whichconductive traces 320 and 322 can be coupled using any commerciallysuitable fastener(s) including, for example, glues and other adhesives,and metal and plastic staples, thread, and other mechanical fasteners,and any combination(s) thereof. Carrier 302 can be manufactured from athermoplastic elastomer or rubber-containing compound, or othercommercially suitable materials or combinations thereof. In preferredembodiments, the carrier 302 is relatively flat such that the device 300can be bent, or even provided in a rolled-up configuration.

Traces 330 and 332 are preferably knitted, such as those described inU.S. patent publ. no. 2010/0180490 to Donoho, although braided tracesare also contemplated.

In preferred embodiments, each of the conductive traces 320 and 322 arecoupled to carrier 302 by threads 330 and 332, respectively. The traces320 and 322 may be coupled to the carrier 302 on a horizontal surface oran angled surface 304, and are preferably disposed over glue troughs 340and 342, respectively. In especially preferred embodiments, the firsttrace 320 is coupled to the carrier 302 by a thread 330 that extendsfrom the first trace 320 to the first glue trough 340 to form first andsecond seams 350 and 352, respectively, and the second trace 322 iscoupled to the carrier 302 by a thread 332 that extends from the secondtrace 322 to the second glue trough 342 to form third and fourth seams354 and 356, respectively. Sewing traces 320 and 322 to the carrier 302advantageously allows the traces 320 and 322 to flex as the carrier 302flexes.

Furthermore, sewing the traces 320 and 322 to glue troughs 340 and 342rather than the bottom of carrier 302 advantageously raises the seams350 and 352 from the bottom of carrier 302, which ensures that that anaccumulation of water beneath the carrier 302 will not short the traces320 and 322 due to absorption of water by thread 330 and/or 332.Moreover, glue can be disposed in glue troughs 340 and 342 to attach thecarrier 302 to a surface, which can create a barrier between anyaccumulated water and seams 354 and 356 to further prevent water frombeing absorbed by, and seeping up, threads 330 and 332. In this manner,shorting of one or both of traces 320 and 322 can be prevented becausewater is prevented from seeping up threads 330 and 332. If the threads330 and 332 were otherwise extended to a bottom of carrier 302, rain orother sources of water could be absorbed by, and seep up, thread 330 or332, which could cause trace 320 or 322 to short.

In some contemplated embodiments, the traces 320 and 322 can be coupledto the carrier 302 using plastic thread, metal staples, or plasticstaples, for example, which would also prevent water from seeping up thefasteners.

In other contemplated embodiments, the traces 320 and 322 can beseparated by an arc suppressor 310 having an T-shape, although otherumbrelloid shapes or other commercially suitable shapes could be usedthat are sufficient to prevent the traces 320 and 322 from arching. Itshould be noted that the shape of the arc suppressor 310 canadvantageously generate a space 112A that is protected from contact withconductive material falling vertically (and even from falling at anangle of up to 45 degrees, and more) onto the device 300. Still further,it should be noted that the shape of the arc suppressor 310 will alsoprovide for a vertical clearance (i.e., empty space between the shortestvertical distance between at least one of the conductive traces 320, 322and the top surface of the device 300 or the arc suppressor 310) that iseffective in disrupting a conductive film, flow, and/or layer betweenthe traces 320 and 322.

Thus, specific embodiments and applications of electrified animalrepellent tracks have been disclosed. It should be apparent, however, tothose skilled in the art that many more modifications besides thosealready described are possible without departing from the inventiveconcepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to berestricted except in the spirit of the appended claims. Moreover, ininterpreting both the specification and the claims, all terms should beinterpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context.In particular, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” should beinterpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in anon-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements,components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with otherelements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced.Furthermore, where a definition or use of a term in a reference, whichis incorporated by reference herein, is inconsistent or contrary to thedefinition of that term provided herein, the definition of that termprovided herein applies and the definition of that term in the referencedoes not apply.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method for producing an animal deterrentdevice, comprising: extruding an elongated carrier that includes a firsttrough on a bottom surface of the carrier; coupling first and secondconductive traces to the carrier; and wherein the first trough is atleast partially disposed beneath the first conductive trace.
 2. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the elongated carrier further includes asecond trough on the bottom surface.
 3. The method of claim 1, whereinthe step of coupling further comprises mechanically attaching the firstand second conductive traces to the carrier.
 4. The method of claim 1,wherein the step of coupling further comprises sewing each of the firstand second conductive traces to the carrier.
 5. The method of claim 4,wherein the step of sewing further comprises sewing the first conductivetrace to the carrier using a fastener to produce a row of stitches alongthe first conductive trace, and a second row of stitches along the firsttrough.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of coupling furthercomprises thermally coupling the first and second conductive traces tothe carrier.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the elongated carriercomprises an elevated arc suppressor on an upper surface.
 8. The methodof claim 7, wherein the elevated arc suppressor comprises a raisedportion of the elongated carrier.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein thestep of extruding further comprises extruding the elongated carrier withan elevated arc suppressor on an upper surface.
 10. The method of claim1, wherein the first conductive trace comprises a braided wire.
 11. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the first conductive trace comprises aknitted wire.
 12. The method of claim 1, wherein the first troughcomprises a raised portion on the bottom of the carrier.
 13. The methodof claim 1, wherein at least part of an upper surface of the carrier isangled, such that water runs off the angled part of the carrier when thecarrier is installed on a horizontal surface.